Monday

Earlier this month, at the 46th Annual National RV Trade Show in Louisville, Kentucky, Winnebago introduced the new 2010 Winnebago Via. The 2010 Via was selected as "Best In Show" by RV Business Magazine.

According to Winnebago, the new Via is the first of its kind and the most fuel efficient Class A motor home, estimated at 15+ miles per gallon.

"Winnebago Industries was the first manufacturer to introduce products built on the Dodge Sprinter Class C chassis and now we are the first to bring a Class A motor home built on the Dodge Sprinter chassis to the market," said Winnebago Industries' Chairman of the Board, CEO and President Bob Olson. "The new Via, and its Itasca counterpart, the Reyo, are innovative Class A coaches that combine design, space, efficiency and drivability into one compact 25-foot package. You won't find another motor home like it in the market place, and I'm proud to say Winnebago Industries did it first."

Despite its compact 25-foot length, the Via offers a front slideout room, a private bathroom area, fully equipped galley, and sleeping accommodations that are truly unique. In the rear, twin beds offer a flex bed concept that is easily converted into a queen bed for a larger continuous sleeping space.

Additional sleeping space is also found up front with the new Studio Loft. This new "spare" bed system neatly tucks into the ceiling of the coach when not in use and conveniently pulls down to create a second bedroom area.

"The dealer response was overwhelming By developing a 30' trailer, with a slide-out, weighing less than 3,700 pounds, we have created a new product segment in the industry. Now smaller six-cylinder SUV's and minivans are legitimate tow vehicles. By accommodating a much larger universe of tow vehicles, the SlingShot has become the best product launch in CrossRoads RV history", states President, Mark Lucas.

The SlingShot units are a full 8' wide, yet still weigh the least per square foot of living area versus any other unit in the industry. This was achieved by utilizing the latest in automotive and aerospace technology. The SlingShot features a total of five floor plans ranging from 19 feet to 30 feet in length, three equipped with a slide-out.

"Customers who already own a smaller tow vehicle have previously been forced to choose between a tent camper, tear drop or smaller floor plan with outside cooking facilities and limited floor space. These same customers can now tow a fully enclosed 26 foot travel trailer with sleeping room for six people. If you own a minivan because you have six people in your family, your travel trailer should accommodate your whole family," states Larry Weaver, National Sales Manager for the SlingShot.

Several RV manufacturers are working on designs for hybrid RVs in an effort to make RVs cleaner and more fuel efficient. While many of these plans are still on the drawing board, some have finally move to the prototype stage.

ecoFRED, so named because of its increased fuel economy and ecological/ environmental benefits, has the additional benefits of significantly less brake wear due to regenerative braking, leading to lower replacement costs. It also boasts better acceleration and increased towing capacity, and operates similar to driving an automatic transmission.

ecoFRED, which features a diesel engine coupled with an electric
motor/generator and lithium-ion batteries, works in line with the
transmission, enabling seamless operation incorporating both electric
and diesel power.

The lithium-ion batteries featured on the
hybrid system capture and store energy during the regenerative braking
phase of the vehicle’s operation. The batteries are constantly charged
through the operation of the diesel engine, eliminating the need to
plug into an electrical source. Both the diesel engine and the electric
motor can provide power to the drivetrain. The sophisticated hybrid
supervisory controller selects the most efficient mode of operation –
diesel, electric or both – depending upon current operating conditions
and driver demand.

Wednesday

Winnebago Industries has introduced the new 2009 ERA. According to Winnebago, the 2009 ERA offers interior and exterior refinements in a boldly-styled package that delivers comfort, functionality and performance offered by none other than Winnebago Industries.

Built on an 8,550-lb. GVWR Dodge Sprinter chassis with a fuel-efficient 3L 6-cylinder turbo-diesel Mercedes engine, the ERA features an aerodynamic design with smooth lines and striking full body paint.
The exterior is further enhanced with stylized, 16-inch aluminum wheels and full-length running boards.

A 5,000-lb. hitch and optional patio awning are additional highlights of this coach. Entering the ERA is simple. In addition to the front cab doors, on the passenger side, a sliding door opens easily for entry into the coach, while the rear double doors open up to 270 degree for great access to the back of the coach. This also allows you to easily remove the couch to transport larger items.

Up front, the 170XT/XL feature two companion chairs that make for a prime seating area, while the 170RT/RL feature one chair. All models have a moveable pedestal table that can be positioned by the sofa in the rear of the coach or up front. The cab seats swivel to face the companion seats and table to create a perfect seating area for playing games or dining.

The ERA features a Sony AM/FM stereo and CD with a wireless remote and iPod connector. You can also upgrade to include the optional Sirius satellite radio. A 15-inch LCD TV is standard on the 170RL and 170XL, and optional on the 170RT and 170XT.